A change in waste removal services is expected to save the city of Ypsilanti $1 million over the next five years. City Manager Ralph Lange will present a five-year contract to the Ypsilanti City Council Tuesday night that will award pick up and removal services to Republic Services starting on Sept. 20.

Bids for the contract went out earlier this year, with Republic submitting the lowest bid of $2.18 million over five years. Currently, the city is expected to pay $638,847 this year for service with Waste Management and has spent just under $3 million total over the last five years. If the city renewed its current contract, the city would spend an estimated $3.19 million in five years.

By making the switch to Republic, the city is estimating spending $2.18 million over five years while retaining the same services for residents.

“It’s an enormous plus. It’s a major, major piece,” Lange said of the proposed contract. “This would be the crown gem on saving money on contractual services part of the mandate.”

Along with the change to the disposal and removal services, Lange is proposing the city award a contract to Advanced Disposal for run off pick-ups. Over the course of five years, Lange estimates the city will save $60,000 depending on how much the city uses the service.

Lange went on to say the city was happy with the service provided by Waste Management over the last few years, but it came down to cost for the city.

In recent years the garbage fund lost $300,000 thanks to the loss of value on mils over the last decade. By instituting the new contracts and cutting back on spending in the department, Lange says the garbage fund will receive no subsidy from the general fund.

Also on the agenda for the meeting is the second and final reading of the proposed 2014-15, 15-16 budgets for the city. Council is expected to pass a $33,519,855 budget for 2014-15 and $31,369,721 for 2015-16.Council will also approve a tax levy of 19.0211 mills for the general operating millage.

An extension with WCA Assessing will be brought before council as well, granting a two-year contract for $77,900 to the firm. Lange said the city is pleased with WCA following the previous three-year contract that expires at the end of the month and would retain WCA. The previous contract was for $69,593 per year.

As part of the new contract, several enhancements have been added including the addition of a third day of service at city hall each week by the assessor. Currently, the assessor works at city hall on Monday and Wednesday each week, but is now required to spend three days a week at city hall.

Council will also consider a new labor contract between the city and the Ypsilanti Command Officers Association of Michigan (COAM) that will keep the officers under contract for three years. The contract will be presented to council during Tuesday night’s city council meeting and would take effect on July 1.

The COAM is comprised of the five lieutenants and sergeants that are part of the Ypsilanti police force but does not include the chief of police or the deputy chief.

The Ypsilanti City Council meeting is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. but council will enter into closed session after approving the agenda. The meeting is scheduled to reconvene after the closed session at 7 p.m.